53. Francesco & Bernardo Find A New Meaning For Indian Giving.

Bernardo feels the train vibrating beneath his belly. He stretches his paws far out in front of himself and he falls back asleep. He doesn't recall ever riding a train before, but he feels safe tucked under or nearby Francesco's feet. It's odd seeing Francesco's feet swaddled in shoes since the image of bare feet has been associated with the saint. But Bernardo has learned how to adapt and probably better than the other seekers.

Francesco rewrites his speech on a small plastic table in front of him. He takes a sip of his tea, but the tea tastes too thick to him. He prefers the more watered down version. He writes down a paragraph then crosses it out. He's not sure what to say to the elders or the council. What can he tell them that they don't already know?

He of course, researched speeches by many great chiefs and was captivated by Chief Seattle's words about the web of life. But is it in good standing to recite a speech of an elder from another tribe? Francesco doesn't wish to insult the Iroquois. They have already endured too many insults and injuries over the centuries.

Francesco considers that the Iroquois believe they came from the stars and they also have a connection to whales who they believed they evolved. Francesco once knew only one creation myth and was told that other creation myths were just amusing stories. Now, after researching Indians, Francesco sees many angles to the same story. Of course different people would tell the story differently. That only makes sense.

Francesco thinks of Darwin and his evolution theories. What if humans did evolve from other creatures? There are days when Francesco feels like a fish out of water and other days where he swears people resemble reptiles. It's not an insult to have evolved from other creatures. In fact, it's a privilege. Imagine coming from a great majestic whale or to have flown like Brother Eagle! Shamans from around the world could and still can shape shift into other creatures. How wonderful! He wads up his speech and decides, he'll just talk straight from the heart.

Francesco watches the green and white spaces outside from his window slowly past by him. It is perpetually fall these days. All the small and large farms dot the countryside. He catches a glimpse of a river now and again. What a beautiful land this once was and it still is retaining some of its former glory.

Later that day, a car arrives at the station to retrieve Francesco and Bernardo. A young Mohawk man, clean cut, dressed in traditional clothing mixed with blue jeans and around 18 years of age, gestures towards Francesco.

He smiles, "hello, Saint Francis, I would have been able to spot you in any crowd."

Francesco smiles sheepishly. He wonders if he should shake the young man's hand. What is the protocol here? The young man extends his hand towards Francesco, so he shakes the Mohawk's hand.

The young Indian glances at Bernardo. "That is a beautiful hound."

Francesco looks down at Bernardo who is stretching and yawning. "Yes, that is Brother Bernardo. He decided to return as a dog or one of God's other creatures."

The young man smiles. "Well, my name is Wolf Dance Moon so I guess Bernardo is a brother to me. Us wolves must stick together. Speaking of wolves, didn't you once befriend a large wolf in Italy?"

"Yes, I did. People often ask me if that's a true story and there was a wolf terrorizing the villagers of Gubbio and I tamed the wolf."

"Ah, you are what we call an animal charmer."

"Oh, but I think it is Goddess love of all her creatures working through me. I give all my credit to her."

The young man pulls the old car onto the road. "We think the same way. Humility and gratitude are important qualities in a healthy community. We thank the Creator for all the blessing bestowed upon us. But we are concerned about that future generations will not have air, water or be able to enjoy the harvest of the earth. We have been concerned about ownership of the land and how this causes so many people to go hungry when the earth should provide for all of us."

Francesco feels chills going up his spine. These words sound so familiar to him. He wonders why Wolf Dance Moon isn't going to speak today.

"You are an eloquent speaker. I sense that even though you are so young, you are already a great man."

Wolf Dance Moon blushes. "I take that as a compliment, Saint Francis."

"Please call me Francesco. I hardly feel like a saint these days."

"In my eyes, you will always be a saint."

The car approaches a longhouse where various elders, couples and children rush out to greet the approaching car. They wait outside the house for Francesco and Bernardo to emerge from the car. Bernardo listens to the crunch of the gravel beneath the wheels of the car. Something extraordinary is about to take place.

When no one is watching, Bernardo reminds Francesco that it is his birthday and also the time Michelmas would be honored. Francesco can hardly believe that a year has gone by so quickly.
How can it be fall again? What happened to the other seasons?

Francesco smiles and he turns to Wolf Dance Moon. "Funny thing, but today is my birthday. Normally, I would spend it with my wife and closest companions, but this time I will be honoring another brother year as you and your people honor the harvest."

Wolf Dance Moon nods his head, "yes, we were aware of your birthday because it is a day in which your teachings are honored. It is not an accident that we invited you to speak on this special day. We made special preparations in your honor."

Wolf Dance Moon, Francesco and Bernardo climb out of the car and they greet the community that awaits them outside the longhouse. An elder who uses her adopted name, Kendra Longfellow greets Francesco and she leads him into the longhouse.

"Our plans for today include prayers, speeches and a ceremony with drumming and dancing. A harvest feast will follow. We are honored that you have accepted our invitation to honor the earth and its creatures. I had read your 'Canticle of the Creatures' and I felt strongly that you understand the Indian way."

Francesco isn't sure how to respond. He is moved by the elder's kind words. He feels that the Iroquois teachings and his own share a common bond so he feels uncomfortable as their guest of honor. He struggles to keep his ego in check. He also wishes that he could spend his birthday with Jeanne and the other saints, but if Goddess wishes Francesco to share bread and corn with the First People of the Americas then what else can he do?

Later that day, an elder who is also a respected poet and shaman recites a long prayer thanking every creatures imaginable. Francesco is surprised that even the youngest children stay alert during the prayer.

The elder finishes his beautiful prayer and then Francesco recites the 'Canticle of the Creatures.' A few people wipe tears from their eyes. Then Francesco gives an impromptu speech. This time he doesn't channel the words of Christ, but instead speaks from his own experiences.

"My brothers and sisters, please consider that greed and corrupt powers will only destroy the planet and we must not only consider the fate of humans, but the fate of all creatures. We were not brought to Goddess' earth to dominate the other creatures. It is as you say, we must tread lightly upon the earth and share with others what the great Mother has to offer.

Chief Seattle has been known to say that we cannot own the earth and this too, I believe. If only fools could see the vastness of the universe, the vastness of Goddess' wisdom and feel the love that vibrates in all creatures.

Consider what energy causes the dragonfly to grow from a nymph into a captivating creature. Consider the vast array of animals, insects, birds, whales, fishes, reptiles in their full splendor. They know Goddess provides for them. The squirrels find shelter among the trees and the trees are nourished by the rain and the earth. When Sister Rain is thirsty, she drinks from the ocean then later she cries tears to fill the well.

All of these creatures run on the fuel of Goddess' love. And all of these creatures were created from the same love. So it is up to you and I to insure that the next 7 generations or more of all creatures remain intact. It is up to use to reclaim the earth, not for the power hungry elite who like a rabid monster will destroy this planet from their insatiable hunger.

Our revolution is one of integrity, compassion and simplicity. We must take care of the small tasks. And those tasks include sustainable farming--not that this was a problem back in the 1200's."

A few Indians laugh amongst themselves.

"However, greed was a problem, ownership of Goddess' earth was a problem, war and dominance over others were problems. That hasn't changed, but for the love of our Creator, we must make changes, small and individual at first. We must do only what is good for our earth and our communities. We must work towards a future when all brothers and sisters get along and share the bounty of the earth."

A few Indians holler and hoot after Francesco finishes his passionate speech. Drummers and dancers make their way into the front of the longhouse. They form a circle and begin chanting and drumming. Bernardo wags his tail in time to the drum beat.

Later, as promised, Francesco shares in the harvest and eats Indian corn for the first time. Bernardo shares scraps of meat with other dogs. Wolf Dance Moon takes a seat next to Francesco.

"We truly are brothers. And together we can bring change."